Local Hero (1983)
Charming Score, Charming Film
Bill Forsyth’s Local Hero is one of the more charming and atmospheric films you’ll likely see. The plot details the eccentricities of those involved in the sale of a tiny, Scottish village to Americans intent on building a giant oil refinery on the site. Or, are they? Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler crafts a quiet, Celtic inspired set of instrumental tunes for the soundtrack that echoes the film’s mystically serene vibes. I imagine those that haven’t experienced the film may view this album as little more than a pleasant soundtrack, and leave it at that. But once the softly lilting melodies (fueled sometimes by traditional instrumentation, other times by Knopfler’s crystalline guitar lines) find a place in your cranium, the music will start to work its magic. Unfortunately, being an 80s soundtrack, there are a few disposable songs & sax fueled variations in the mix that fail to enhance the score’s magical spell… but that’s what mix tapes are for. Largely ignored on release, despite the Dire brand name. As a result, they’re reasonably priced by Amazon sellers.
The Rocks And The Water (3:28)
Wild Theme (3:39)
Freeway Flyer (1:49)
Boomtown (Variation Louis’ Favourite) (4:13)
The Way it Always Starts (4:04)
The Rocks And The Thunder (0:51)
The Ceilidh And The Northern Lights (3:35)
The Mist Covered Mountains (4:49)
The Ceilidh: Louis’ Favourite/Billy’s Tune (3:49)
Whistle Theme (0:53)
Smooching (5:01)
Stargazing (1:35)
The Rocks And The Thunder (0:38)
Going Home: Theme Of The Local Hero (5:01)
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I used to play this when I had to fly. This and “Cal.” Totally transporting, transcendent, and distracting, which I needed.
Same here. I played a mix tape version (without the 80s stuff) on long, late night drives.
one of my favorite movies…it’s such a gentle treat and very satisfying,,,,slow moving but effective…I love the music also, every track
VERY slow moving, which is part of its charm. Glad you found us Duncan.
Thanks for this, one of my favorite films and soundtracks. (Bill Forsyth, however, not David Putnam). Glad to have found you again. Hang in there.
Thanks for the catch, Hugh.
Great & slyly funny movie. Burt Lancaster’s character & his scenes involving his therapist are priceless. That’s also the kind of village I’d love to be stranded in. And what about the mermaid?
Yeah, Lancaster was great and that village is probably what makes the entire film so appealing. Probably my favorite Peter Riegert performance, too. Thanks Ducky.
Just a great soundtrack. The motorcycle one interrupts the flow a little, but the Gerry Rafferty sung track fits in beautifully.
This soundtrack and the charming, funny, quirky movie it goes with meant a lot in my life.
Thanks.
And good to see you hanging in there, Willard.
Best,
Ace
Cap’n, This was a favourite of mine – saw the film on my first ever trip to London back in the day. Still a satisfying listen which brings back many great memories. Thanks so much. Regards, Your friend Pauly from Down Under.
Willard – Possibly my favorite movie of all time. I even made the pilgrimage to Pennan, one of the filming locations, when my wife and I visited Scotland many years ago. Interestingly, I loved the music first, as several of the selections from the soundtrack were played on a looping tape in the restaurant where I worked in the early 1980s. I have since watched the film many, many times and have enjoyed many discussions with other film buffs about just who the Local Hero really is…
Great to see the new spot up and running!
Cheers!
S.
Cool.
About a year after the movie and soundtrack came out I travelled to Scotland and hitchhiked my way to Pennan, on the coast north of Aberdeen. One man, hearing I was from Canada, gave me some fresh fish. I stuffed it in my backpack and cooked it that night in Fraserburgh. It was my Local Hero moment.
Cool, too.
My wife and I in our early marriage days loved it (and love it still).
Even played it on a cassette dub while she was in labor. Good stuff, EXCEPT for that part when the motorcycle comes roaring in. Says the wife, “turn that off” and in that time one is in no position to argue.
Really, really great music.
Ace
There’s just something alluring about the sound and feel of the music.
(Besides… women never like motorcycles.)